Villaggio Touring Club Italiano - La Maddalena

Comprising a collection of cabins and bungalows on pretty grounds, this modest property attracts vacationers seeking sun, sailing, and beach time. Views are beautiful, with scenic island vistas unfolding all around. The rugged landscape is a mixture of greenery and cliffs, and the area attracts nature lovers seeking a relaxing holiday in a beautiful setting.The reception area is a simple, functional space bedecked in tourist brochures, photos, and maps of the island. Situated in a small cabin crawling with vines and flanked by trees and greenery, it offers a pleasant little outdoor sitting space with shaded wicker chairs and tables. There's also a rustic and inviting TV room that guests can use, with stone walls and a sloped wooden ceiling that makes it feel cozy, plus there's a small collection of books on hand. The other main indoor common space is the restaurant, which also has rustic stone walls and a beamed wooden ceiling and is simply furnished with wooden tables and chairs. There are lovely alfresco dining areas as well with picnic-style tables beneath thatched roofs. Plastic tables and chairs also dot the surrounding cobblestone area, some on a terrace offering gorgeous views over the island and sea.The highlights here are undoubtedly the natural surroundings and scenery, the prime one being the beach. This private stretch of sandy coast is lined with striped turquoise loungers and umbrellas, and the water lapping the shore is crystal clear. It's a big draw for travelers, many of whom utilize the property's free water sports like windsurfing and canoeing. Guests are a mix of couples, families, and groups of friends attracted by the natural surroundings who don't mind the fairly basic lodgings and overall simplicity of the property. It's a place to come to recharge in nature amid an enchanting landscape.

The property occupies a beautiful location on the archipelago of La Maddalena off the Costa Smeralda in Sardinia, with its own private beach and scenic vistas across the sea and neighboring islands. It's a gorgeous area full of natural beauty, translucent turquoise water, and some of Italy's most beautiful beaches. It's a bit remote and necessitates a commute by ferry, which might dissuade some, but the location is well worth the travel. The island can be reached by ferry in about 20 minutes from the port in Palau, which is about an hour's drive from Olbia (45 minutes from the airport or the port). The property is about a 15-minute drive across the island from the La Maddalena port. Though a car is necessary to explore the island (but hikes are also possible), the hotel does offer a shuttle service into town daily. The town of La Maddalena offers restaurants, shops, and various services, and is about a 15-minute drive away.

The wooden bungalows and cabins are modest spaces, but they're clean and cozy. Terracotta floors are paired with the all-wood interiors which are devoid of decor and furnished with simple wooden furniture like single beds or bunk beds, chairs, and dressers. Beds are topped with red bedding. Amenities are sparse, with no TVs or Wi-Fi. All rooms have fans (but no air-conditioning). Storage space is limited, but there are some shelves on the walls and small closets with hangers. One of the best features are the little balconies/terraces by the cabins, which have loungers and offer gorgeous views over the surroundings. Superior Bungalows have the best views, plus add amenities like mini-fridges and hairdryers. Small bathrooms, tiled in light blue shades, are basic but clean. They're equipped with showers, sinks, and toilets, with a couple of shelves for storage. Both bath towels and pool/beach towels are provided.

The main highlight is the hotel's private beach, a beautiful stretch of sandy shore and crystal clear waters lined with umbrella-shaded loungers. A number of free water sports are available for guests to indulge in, such as canoeing, sailing, and windsurfing. Guests can also go snorkeling with the on-site marine biologists. There's also beach volleyball, while paid activities include bike and scooter rentals, bike tours, and sailing or motorboat tours. Other features include table tennis and bocce. An animation team is in charge of the water sports and other activities like nature walks, while come evening-time, there is live music.The restaurant serves buffet-style local fare, with lots of fresh fish as well as pasta and other dishes that get great reviews from guests. Rates here are full board so all meals are included, as are wine, water, and soft drinks during meals. Besides the restaurant building, there's also a lovely outdoor area to dine in right outside of it; some tables offer a beautiful view over the island and sea.There's a small shop selling an array of things such as souvenirs, guide books, beach gear, and sundries. A TV room offers guests a place to relax while watching something on the flat-screen TV, or read one of the books from the hotel's small collection. Families are catered to with a kids' club for those ages 4 to 12. Massage services are available. A daytime shuttle service into town is available at scheduled times by reservation.